Dispenser Assembly For Dispensing Gloves Including A Cartridge And A Dispenser

ABSTRACT

A dispensing assembly adapted to dispense gloves is provided, which includes a dispenser configured to hold a cartridge, and a cartridge. The dispenser may include a housing with an exit port, or a bracket. The cartridge includes a housing comprising a plurality of walls which cooperate to form an inner surface and an internal compartment. The cartridge is configured to hold a stack of gloves and the cartridge includes a dispensing opening. The cartridge includes a stack of gloves positioned in a sloping stack and positioned against a sloping means which is positioned at least partially in the internal compartment of the cartridge at least when the cartridge is positioned in a dispensing position. The sloping means and the sloping stack form a trapezoidal cross-section in the internal compartment of the cartridge. The sloping means is configured to hold the sloping stack in an alignment within the internal compartment of the cartridge to prevent gloves from moving out of the stack and to keep at least one glove positioned against a dispensing opening of the cartridge to permit easy and reliable withdrawal of the gloves therefrom.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/743,571, filed Mar. 20, 2006, entitled “Dispenser Assembly ForDispensing Gloves Including A Cartridge And A Dispenser” by Paul FrancisTramontina.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a dispenser or holder adapted to hold acartridge or container containing a plurality of gloves. Laboratory orindustrial glove dispensing systems typically consist of quantities ofgloves that are contained in a corrugated box with a perforated region.When the perforated region is removed, an opening is provided throughwhich gloves are withdrawn by a user. Problems exist with this system.The opening is sized such that gloves often partially protrudetherethrough. The size of the opening may permit the gloves adjacentthereto and/or protruding therethrough to become contaminated.Alternatively, when the box becomes nearly empty, such a large openingpermits unwanted particles, contaminates, and the like to enter the box.When the box is full, It may be difficult for a user to withdrawn oneglove at a time, because multiple gloves may block the opening. In thisinstance, when attempting to withdraw a single glove, additional glovesmay inadvertently be withdrawn or fall out of the box, resulting inwaste. When the box becomes nearly depleted, a user may need to puthis/her hand into the box to withdraw one or more gloves. This actionmay introduce contamination into the box as well.

Accordingly, there is a need for a dispenser assembly which desirablyincludes a dispenser or holder for a cartridge or container holding aplurality of gloves. Such a dispenser assembly desirably permits aplurality of gloves to be easily dispensed one at a time. The opening tothe cartridge or container is desirably configured and positioned suchthat little surface area of the glove adjacent the opening is exposed.The gloves are desirably positioned in such a cartridge or container sothat only one glove is positioned adjacent the opening, and the openingis positioned by the dispenser such that contaminates are not readilyreceived through the opening or on the glove adjacent the opening.

Such a dispenser assembly would be easily assembled and easily mountedfor use on a surface. Such a dispenser would desirably be made from amaterial which would provide some resistance to liquid and/or solidcontaminates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In response to the difficulties and problems discussed herein, adispensing assembly adapted for dispensing gloves is provided. Thedispensing assembly comprises a dispenser which includes a housingconfigured to hold a cartridges of different sizes. The housing includesan exit port and a spacer for holding a cartridge in a position over theexit port. The dispensing assembly also comprises a cartridge comprisinga plurality of walls which cooperate to form an inner surface and aninternal compartment. The cartridge is configured to hold a stack ofgloves and a stack of gloves is disposed in the cartridge. The cartridgeincludes a dispensing opening. The stack of gloves is positioned on abase of a biasing platform such that at least the stack of gloves form atrapezoidal cross-section within the internal compartment of thecartridge. The biasing platform holds the stack of gloves biased againstthe dispensing opening such that the biasing platform controls the stackof gloves and space in the internal compartment of the cartridge toprevent gloves from moving out of the stack and into the space. Thestack of gloves is biased against the opening of the cartridge to permiteasy and reliable withdrawal of the gloves therefrom.

In another aspect of the invention, a dispensing assembly adapted fordispensing gloves is provided. The dispensing assembly comprises adispenser configured to hold a cartridge, and a cartridge. The cartridgeincludes a plurality of walls which cooperate to form an inner surfaceand an internal compartment. The cartridge is configured to hold a stackof gloves and a stack of gloves is disposed in the cartridge. Thecartridge includes a dispensing opening. The stack of gloves ispositioned on a base of a biasing platform such that at least the stackof gloves form a trapezoidal cross-section within the internalcompartment of the cartridge. The biasing platform holds the stack ofgloves biased against the dispensing opening such that the biasingplatform controls the stack of gloves and space in the internalcompartment of the cartridge to prevent gloves from moving out of thestack and into the space. The stack of gloves is biased against theopening of the cartridge to permit easy and reliable withdrawal of thegloves therefrom.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a cartridge adapted to dispensegloves is provided. The cartridge comprises a housing comprising aplurality of walls which cooperate to form an inner surface and aninternal compartment. The cartridge is configured to hold a stack ofgloves and a stack of gloves is disposed in the cartridge. The cartridgeincludes a dispensing opening. The stack of gloves is positioned on abase of a biasing platform such that at least the stack of gloves form atrapezoidal cross-section within the internal compartment of thecartridge. The biasing platform holds the stack of gloves biased againstthe dispensing opening such that the biasing platform controls the stackof gloves and space in the internal compartment of the cartridge toprevent gloves from moving out of the stack and into the space. Thestack of gloves is biased against the opening of the cartridge to permiteasy and reliable withdrawal of the gloves therefrom.

In still yet another aspect of the invention, a cartridge adapted todispense gloves is provided. The cartridge comprises a housingcomprising a plurality of walls which cooperate to form an inner surfaceand an internal compartment. The cartridge also includes a dispensingopening. The cartridge is configured to hold a stack of gloves. A stackof gloves is disposed therein in a sloping stack and positioned againsta sloping means. The sloping means is positioned at least partially inthe internal compartment of the housing when the cartridge is disposedin a dispensing position such that the sloping means and the slopingstack form a trapezoidal cross-section in the internal compartment ofthe cartridge. The sloping means is configured to hold the sloping stackin a sloping alignment within the internal compartment of the cartridgeto prevent gloves from moving out of the stack and to keep at least oneglove positioned against a dispensing opening of the cartridge to permiteasy and reliable withdrawal of the gloves therefrom.

In yet a further aspect of the invention, a dispensing assembly adaptedto dispense gloves is provided. The dispensing assembly comprises adispenser configured to hold a cartridge and a cartridge adapted todispense gloves. The cartridge includes a housing comprising a pluralityof walls which cooperate to form an inner surface and an internalcompartment. The cartridge also includes a dispensing opening. Thecartridge is configured to hold a stack of gloves and a stack of glovesis disposed therein. The stack of gloves forms a sloping stackpositioned against a sloping means. The sloping means is positioned atleast partially in the internal compartment of the housing when thecartridge is positioned in a dispensing position such that the slopingmeans and the sloping stack form a trapezoidal cross-section in theinternal compartment of the cartridge. The sloping means is configuredto hold the sloping stack of gloves in an alignment within the internalcompartment of the cartridge to prevent gloves from moving out of thestack and to keep at least one glove positioned against the dispensingopening of the cartridge to permit easy and reliable withdrawal of thegloves therefrom.

Definitions

As used herein, the term “glove” or “plurality of gloves” refers to acovering for a user's hand, and desirably, but not by way of limitation,includes four fingers and a thumb, an area covering a palm and a back ofa user's hand, as well as a cuff positioned generally around a user'swrist. Each glove may be constructed from one or more materials. Suchmaterials may include, for example, but not by way of limitation, awoven material, a nonwoven material, a knitted material, and so forth.In addition, as a further example only, each glove may be constructedfrom one or more natural or synthetic materials such as latex, nitrile,and so forth.

As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising” andother derivatives from the root term “comprise” are intended to beopen-ended terms that specify the presence of any stated features,elements, integers, steps, or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, elements, integers,steps, components, or groups thereof. Similarly, the terms “include”,“includes”, “has” and/or “have”, and derivatives thereof, are intendedto be interpreted as the word “comprise”, and are intended to beopen-ended terms that specify the presence of any stated features,elements, integers, steps, or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, elements, integers,steps, components, or groups thereof.

As used herein, the terms “resilient”, “resilience” and/or “resiliency”and any derivatives thereof mean something which has an original formand/or shape which returns to its original form, shape and/or positionafter being bent, compressed or stretched.

As used herein, the terms “contaminate”, “contaminant” and/or“contamination” mean to make unclean or impure by contact. Such contactmay be by liquid, solid and/or gas. For example, but not by way oflimitation, mud that befouls shoes; noxious fumes that foul the air;bodily fluids that foul clean diapers.

As used herein, the term “exit port” is the opening in a dispenser forthe passage of one or more gloves therethrough.

As used herein, the term “fasteners” means devices that fasten, join,connect, secure, hold, or clamp components together. Fasteners include,but are not limited to, screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, snap-fits,tacks, nails, loop fasteners, and interlocking male/female connectors,such as fishhook connectors, a fish hook connector includes a maleportion with a protrusion on its circumference. Inserting the maleportion into the female portion substantially permanently locks the twoportions together.

As used herein, the term “couple” includes, but is not limited to,joining, connecting, fastening, linking, or associating two thingsintegrally or interstitially together.

As used herein, the term “configure” or “configuration” or derivationsthereof means to design, arrange, set up, or shape with a view tospecific applications or uses. For example: a military vehicle that wasconfigured for rough terrain; configured the computer by setting thesystem's parameters.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to something which isdone to a great extent or degree; a significant or great amount; forexample, as used herein “substantially” as applied to “substantially”covered means that a thing is at least 90% covered.

As used herein, the term “alignment” refers to the spatial propertypossessed by an arrangement or position of things in a straight line orin parallel lines.

As used herein, the terms “orientation” or “position” usedinterchangeably herein refer to the spatial property of a place where orway in which something is situated; for example, “the position of thehands on the clock.”

As used herein, the term “about” refers to an amount that is plus orminus 10 percent of a stated or implied range.

These terms may be defined with additional language in the remainingportions of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a top of a dispensing assembly of thepresent invention showing a dispenser having a cartridge (illustratedpartially by phantom lines) disposed therein, one glove of a pluralityof gloves in the cartridge shown by phantom lines for illustrativepurposes only;

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of a lower wall (inverted forillustrative purposes) of the cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a top of the cartridge of FIGS. 1 and 2,but showing the upper wall and front wall partially cut away forillustrative purposes only to illustrate the columns, ramp and aplurality of stacked and aligned gloves, aligned cuff to cuff;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the top of the dispenser, but showingthe dispenser without a cartridge disposed therein;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bottom of the dispenser of FIG. 1,but showing the dispenser with the cartridge (shown in phantom lines)disposed therein, and showing the alignment of the exit port of thedispenser, the opening of the cartridge and the wrist area and cuff ofthe glove positioned against the opening;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of FIG. 5 taken along lines 6-6, showing acuff portion of a glove and a finger of a user pulling the glove via thecuff portion from the dispenser and cartridge;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a cartridge similar to the cartridge ofFIG. 3, but showing a pair of spaced-apart triangular columns(illustrated by phantom lines);

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the cartridge similar to the cartridge ofFIG. 7, but showing a pair of spaced-apart vertical columns (illustratedby phantom lines);

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a top of another embodiment of thedispenser of the present invention, but showing a ramp formed in thedispenser;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bottom of another cartridge used withthe dispenser of FIG. 9, showing additional perforations on the lowerwall of the cartridge;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the dispenser and cartridge of FIGS. 9and 10, respectively;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of FIG. 11 taken along lines 12-12, showingthe displacement of a portion of the lower wall of the cartridge whenthe perforations are separated and the cartridge is positioned againstthe ramp of the dispenser, and also showing the gloves aligned wristarea to wrist area next to the opening and one being partially withdrawnby being grasped between a thumb and forefinger of a user;

FIG. 13 is sectional view similar to the view shown in FIG. 11 butshowing another embodiment of a dispenser having an alternate ramp, thedispenser illustrated without a cartridge positioned therein, the rampcomprising a series of spaced-apart vertically-oriented ribs whichextend upward from the lower wall of the dispenser;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a lower wall of yet another cartridge,showing another perforated region defined by perforation lines;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the lower wall of the cartridge of FIG.14, showing the perforated region removed, the stack of a plurality ofgloves aligned cuff to cuff and flanges positioned around at least aportion of the stack to hold the stack in a position in the cartridgefor dispensing when the cartridge is turned over for insertion into thedispenser;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the dispenser assembly which includes thedispenser of FIG. 13 and the cartridge of FIG. 14, illustrating theorientation of the stack of gloves relative to the ramp;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the dispenserassembly of the present invention, showing a cartridge disposed in thedispenser and a spacer which has moved the cartridge into a dispensingalignment with the dispenser;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the dispenser assembly similar to FIG.17, but showing a large-sized cartridge disposed in the dispenser suchthat the spacer has moved back flush with the side wall to permit thecartridge to fit into a compartment of the dispenser and to be alignedin a dispensing alignment with the dispenser;

FIG. 19 is an upper perspective view of the biasing platform, showingresilient blocks positioned on one side of a base;

FIG. 20 is an upper perspective view of the biasing platform, showing astack of gloves aligned on an opposite side of the base;

FIG. 21 is sectional view of FIG. 18 taken along lines 21-21, showingthe cartridge filled with gloves and the gloves aligned in a stack onthe biasing platform, with the resilient blocks compressed;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 21, but showing the biasingblocks in a substantially uncompressed position, holding the stack ofgloves against the dispensing opening of the cartridge; and

FIG. 23 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 22, but showing the biasingplatform as a single resilient block which holds the stack of glovesagainst the dispensing opening of the cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to one or more embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample and embodiment is provided by way of explanation of theinvention, and is not meant as a limitation of the invention. Forexample, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment maybe used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. Itis intended that the invention include these and other modifications andvariations as coming within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-23 in general, and 1-8 in particular, thepresent invention provides a dispensing assembly 10 including a holderor dispenser 12 and a container or cartridge 14 which desirably holds aplurality of gloves 16, as shown in FIGS. 1-6. Each glove 16 desirably,but not by way of limitation, includes a wrist area 17 which ispositioned around a user's wrist, which may, by way of example, beturned back over an adjacent portion of the glove 16 to provide a cuff18. The plurality of gloves 16 are desirably aligned and stacked so thatthe wrist area 17 and cuff 18 (if present) of one glove 16 is positionednext to and against the wrist area 17 and cuff 18 of the glove 16positioned directly above and/or below and against it (FIG. 6) in thecartridge 14.

The cartridge 14 in the present embodiment may include a housing whichincludes an upper wall 24 and a lower wall 26. The cartridge 14desirably includes a front wall 28, a back wall 30, and a pair ofspaced-apart side walls 32. The front wall 28, back wall 30, and sidewalls 32 each cooperate with the upper wall 24 and lower wall 26 toprovide an inner surface 34 which defines an internal compartment 35configured to hold the plurality of gloves 16. It will be appreciatedthat the configuration of the cartridge 14 is non-limiting, and thecartridge 14 may assume any configuration or combination ofconfigurations.

The cartridge 14 desirably includes a perforated area 36 which may bepositioned on a wall, such as the lower wall 26. When the perforations38 are separated and the perforated area 36 is removed, an opening 40 isprovided in the cartridge 14 which permits the plurality of gloves 16 tobe withdrawn from the cartridge 14 one at a time, as illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6. The opening 40 may be provided in any wall or combinationof walls. In the present embodiment, however, the opening 40 is providedin the lower wall 26. The dispensing assembly 10 is desirably, but notby way of limitation, oriented as a gravity-feed dispensing assembly 10.That is, the dispenser 12 and cartridge 14 are desirably oriented sothat each of the plurality of gloves 16, in a dispensing position, isdesirably dispensed through the lower wall of the cartridge 14 anddispenser 12 through the opening 40 in the cartridge 14 and an exit port42 in the dispenser 12. This orientation is provided to permit gravityto assist in positioning the first of the plurality of gloves 16 to thelast glove 16 in the cartridge 14 next to the opening 40 and exit port42. Further, this orientation makes it less likely for contaminates tofall on one or more gloves or to be introduced into the cartridge 14such that gloves or the internal compartment 35 of the cartridge becomecontaminated.

The plurality of gloves 16 are desirably stacked one on top of anotherin a general alignment with the finger and thumb portions adjacent eachother and the wrist area 17 having, desirably, but not by way oflimitation, a cuff 18 formed therein and positioned next to and againsteach other. A pair of spaced-apart centering columns 44 may bepositioned on each side of the stack 45 along the wrist area 17 or cuff18 of each glove 16, so that the wrist area 17 or cuff 18 is centered orpositioned directly over the opening 40 of the cartridge 14. Thespaced-apart columns 44 may, for example, but not by limitation, besquare (FIG. 3), triangular (FIG. 7), or may simply provide a verticalcolumn (FIG. 8). The spaced-apart columns 44 may assume anyconfiguration(s) and may be formed from any material which permits thecolumns 44 to operate as shown and/or described herein. The columns 44operate to hold the wrist area 17 or cuff 18 of a stack 45 of gloves 16in a dispensing orientation or position so that the wrist area 17 and/orcuff 18 is exposed through the opening 40 and exit port 42 and eachglove 16 may be withdrawn one at a time from the opening by a user viathe wrist area 17 (FIG. 12) or cuff 18 (FIG. 6). Such positioning limitsthe exposure of the remaining portion of the glove 16 next to theopening 40 as well as the plurality of gloves 16 in the stack 45 tocontaminants.

The cartridge 14 also desirably includes a ramp 46. The ramp 46 ispositioned in the internal compartment 35 of the cartridge 14 and mayextend longitudinally between the upper wall 24 and the lower wall 26.Alternatively, the ramp 46 may extend longitudinally between a side wall32 and a lower wall 26 as well. Desirably, the ramp 46 extends betweenat least a portion of the front and back walls 28, 30.

The ramp 46 is positioned to cooperate with gravity in urging thestacked and aligned plurality of gloves 16 toward the opening 40 andexit port 42. In particular, the ramp 46 is positioned to assist inholding the plurality of gloves 16 in the stacked and aligned position.That is, the wrist area 17 of each glove 16 is often thicker and mayhave a rolled portion (not shown). If the wrist area 17 is folded backagainst itself to provide a cuff 18, the cuff 18 area of the glove 16 istwice as thick as the remaining glove 16. Due to the asymmetry inthickness, the plurality of gloves 16 aligned in a stack 45 by wristarea 17 or cuff 18 provide an asymmetrical stack due to this variationin thickness of each glove 16. Due to this asymmetry, individual gloves16 within the stack 45 have a tendency to fall out of alignment,therefore interfering with the desirable one at a time dispensing ofeach of the plurality of gloves 16 from the cartridge 14. Suchnon-alignment also may result in increased exposure of gloves at theopening 40 and exit port 42. The columns 44 hold the wrist area 17 andcuff 18 in alignment, while the ramp 46 raises the thinner areas of theglove 16 so that an alignment of the stack 45 is maintained. In thismanner, each glove 16 is positioned in an optimum dispensing positionedat the opening 40 and exit port 42. That is, when one glove 16 iswithdrawn, the next glove assumes a position next to the opening with awrist area 17 or cuff 18 positioned as described herein, and theremaining gloves remain in an aligned stack 45 for proper dispensing.

The dispenser 12 desirably may include a housing 50 having a lower wall52 which includes the exit port 42 which is positioned to cooperate andalign with the opening 40 provided in the cartridge 14. The dispenser 12may include a front wall 54, a back wall 56 and a pair of side walls 58,which cooperate to provide an inner surface 60 and a cartridgecompartment 62 configured to hold the cartridge 14. Alternatively, thehousing 50 may instead comprise one or more L or U-shaped brackets (notshown). Accordingly, the configuration of the housing 50 of thedispenser 12 is non-limiting, and may include any shape(s) and/orconfiguration(s). Desirably, the cartridge compartment 62 of the housing50 is generally a configuration which will cooperative with at least aportion of an outer surface 64 of the cartridge 14, in order to hold orsupport the cartridge 14.

The back wall 56 may include a wall extension 66 which may include oneor more opening(s) 67, hooks, brackets, fasteners, and so forth, therebypermitting the dispenser 12 to be coupled to a surface. Desirably, thedispenser 12 is coupled to a generally vertical surface. However, thesurface to which the dispenser 12 may be disposed or coupled to may beprovided at an orientation other than generally vertical. Theorientation of the dispenser 12 is desirably non-limiting, so long asthe dispensing assembly 10 operates as shown and/or described herein.

The dispenser 12 and/or cartridge 14 may be formed from any material orcombination of materials which permit the dispenser 12 and/or cartridge14 to operate as shown and/or described herein. Desirably, however, thedispenser 12 is formed from a material which is liquid resistant suchthat the dispenser 12 may be readily cleaned by an appropriate cleaningsolution. Therefore, the dispenser 12 may desirably be formed frommaterials such as metal, plastic, and so forth. The cartridge 14 isdesirably, but not by way of limitation, a non-reusable, disposablecartridge which may be formed from a light weight material, such as, forexample, cardboard, paper board, light weight plastic, polymer film, andso forth.

In a method of use, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, a dispensing assembly 10 isprovided. The dispensing assembly 10 desirably includes a dispenser 10and a cartridge 14 filled with a plurality of gloves 16 in a stack 45and aligned via the wrist area 17 and/or cuff 18 of the gloves 16. Theperforated area 36 is desirably removed from the lower wall 26 of thecartridge 14 to provide the opening 40 before the cartridge 14 is turned180 degrees and inserted into the cartridge compartment 62 of thedispenser 12. The cartridge 14 is then desirably disposed in thecartridge compartment 62 such that the outer surface 64 of the lowerwall 26 of the cartridge 14 is positioned against the inner surface 60of the lower wall 52 of the dispenser 12. Desirably, the opening 40 inthe cartridge 14 is aligned with the exit port 42 in the dispenser 12,as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. The plurality of gloves 16 arepositioned in an aligned stack 45 and are held in a dispensing positionby the columns 44 and the ramp 46 as well as the orientation of thegloves 16 in the stack 45 such that the wrist area 17 and cuffs 18 ofthe gloves 16 are positioned against each other in the stack 45.Therefore, the wrist area 17 and cuffs 18 are positioned along an axis68 (FIG. 6) in an alignment with the opening 40 and exit port 42 in adispensing position. Such an orientation and alignment permits exposureof only the wrist area 17 or cuff 18 of the glove 16 for withdrawal fromthe opening 40 and exit port 42. This orientation also reduces oreliminates contaminants from entering the cartridge 14 and contaminatingadditional gloves 16 in the stack 45. Further, the orientation of thegloves 16 permits one at a time dispensing of gloves 16, because only aportion of one glove 16 is presented at the opening 40 and exit port 42for withdrawal by a user. Therefore, a user may withdraw a glove bypinching or grasping a portion of the wrist area 17 or cuff 18 of theglove 16 between, for example, a thumb and forefinger (FIG. 12), and soforth, to withdraw the glove 16. Alternatively, when a cuff 18 isprovided, a user may position a finger into the cuff 18 and use theoverlapped material of the glove forming the cuff to withdraw the glove16 from the opening 40 and exit port 42 (FIG. 6). Such dispensingpermits rapid and easy withdrawal of a glove 16 since only a singlefinger is needed to withdraw a single glove 16 through the opening 40and exit port 42. Dispensing one glove 16 at a time, while maintainingthe remaining plurality of gloves 16 in a dispensing alignment reduceswaste of gloves via inadvertent excessive withdrawal of too many gloves.The orientation of the portion of the glove 16 against the opening 40and the exit port 42 greatly reduces or eliminates contamination of theplurality of gloves 16 in the cartridge 14.

In another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing assembly 110shown in FIGS. 9-16 is substantially similar to the dispensing assembly10 shown in FIGS. 1-8 and described in detail herein, except that thedispenser 112 includes a lower wall 52 having a ramp 146 providedtherein. The ramp 146 may be provided as a solid sloping wall, supportedby one or more support ribs 170, and a pair are illustrated in FIG. 9.An alternative dispenser 112′ may also be provided which includes adifferent ramp 150 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 15. This alternative ramp150 has a plurality of spaced-apart vertical ribs 172 of graduatedheight positioned generally transversely across a portion of the lowerwall 52 if the dispenser 112′.

The cartridge 114 illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 is also similar tocartridge 14, except that it may be formed to include an additional areaof perforations 174 in the lower wall 26. These perforations 174 may bepositioned near at least a portion of the front wall 28, back wall 30and/or at least one side wall 32. Before the cartridge 114 is positionedin the dispenser 112, the perforated area 36 is removed to provide theopening 40. The lower wall 26 of the cartridge 114 is desirablypositioned against the inner surface 60 of the lower wall 52 of thedispenser 112 so that the opening 40 in the cartridge 114 is alignedwith the exit port 42 of the dispenser 112. The cartridge 114 is thendesirably pressed against the dispenser 112 or the dispenser 112′ suchthat the perforations 174 of the lower wall 26 of the cartridge 114separate when pressed against the ramp 146 or the ramp 150 of thedispenser 112 or dispenser 112′, respectively. Desirably, at least aportion of the ramp 146 of dispenser 112 or the ramp 150 of dispenser112′ lifts the separated portion 180 of the lower wall 26 of thecartridge 114 and the plurality of gloves 16 therein to again providethe alignment and dispensing position of the plurality of gloves 16 aspreviously described herein. This desirably alignment is shown in FIG.12.

Another cartridge 114′, illustrated in FIG. 14-16 and substantiallysimilar to the cartridge 114 shown in FIGS. 10-12 and described indetail previously herein, may also be used with either dispenser 112 ordispenser 112′. The cartridge 114′ includes a removable region 188having perforations 190 which are desirably positioned near at least aportion of the front wall 28, the back wall 30 and/or one side wall 32.When the removable region 188 is removed, the resulting opening providesfor dispensing as well. When the perforations 190 (FIG. 14) areseparated so that the removable region 188 may be removed, a largeopening 192 is provided (FIG. 15). In addition, a plurality of flanges194 are desirably provided as well. The flanges 194 desirably extend ashort distance from each wall. The flanges 194 are configured to holdthe longitudinal edges of the stack 45 of gloves 16 in the cartridge114′ while the cartridge 114′ is positioned in the dispenser 112′. Thecartridge 114′ is oriented in the dispenser 112′ such that the lower end196 of the stack 45 of gloves 16, exposed after the removal of theremovable region 188, are positioned at least partially against the ramp150 and the wrist area 17 and cuffs 18 of the gloves 16 are oriented inthe dispenser such that the wrist area 17 or cuffs 18 of the gloves 16are positioned against the exit port 42 of the dispenser 112, fordispensing therefrom as generally previously shown and described indetail herein.

It will be appreciated that either cartridge 114 or 114′ may be usedwith either dispenser 112 or 112′. It will be appreciated that the ramps146 and 150 provided in the dispenser or the ramp in the cartridge arenon-limiting and intended as an illustration of several desirableembodiments only. It will be understood that other embodiments of rampsand/or columns are possible as well. In addition, it will be understoodthat the ramp and/or columns may be formed integrally with the dispenseror cartridge. Alternatively, the ramp and/or columns may be formedseparately and coupled to the dispenser and/or cartridge.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing assembly 210shown in FIGS. 17-23 is similar to the dispensing assembly 10 and 110shown in FIGS. 1-8 and 9-16 and described in detail herein, except thatthe dispenser 212 includes one side wall 58 having an opening 250therein and a movable spacer 252 hingeably coupled to the side wall 58.The lower wall 52 of the dispenser 210 is configured to have a length251 which permits different sizes of cartridges 214 to fit within thecompartment of the dispenser 212. A largest size cartridge 214 may bedisposed therein, as shown in FIG. 18. However, a smallest sizecartridge 214 may be disposed in the dispenser 212 as well, asillustrated in FIG. 17. The spacer 252, which is biased inward, towardthe compartment 62, pushes less than largest-sized cartridge 214 overand holds the cartridge 214 in an alignment such that the opening 40 inthe cartridge 214 is in alignment with the exit port 42 of the dispenser212.

The spacer 252 is illustrated as a swinging door 254 which includes aspring-biased hinge (not shown) which biases the spacer 252 toward theinner surface 60 and the compartment 62 of the dispenser 212. When alarge-sized cartridge 214 is disposed in the dispenser 212, asillustrated in FIG. 18, the swinging door 254 folds flush into theopening 250 in the side wall 58, or extends to the outer surface 64 ofthe dispenser 212 (not shown). The door 254 of the spacer 252 swingsinward when a less than full-sized cartridge 214 is disposed in thedispenser 212 to position it properly for dispensing, as illustrated inFIG. 17. It will be appreciated that the spacer 252 may be biased via aspring hinge, a spring, O-ring, rubber band, elastic (not shown), and soforth. Further, the spacer 252 may be provided as blocks of foam rubberand/or sponge (not shown) provided in the compartment 62 of thedispenser 212 (not shown).

The cartridge 214 is similar to the cartridge 14, 114 and 114′, exceptthat the cartridge 214 does not includes columns or a ramp. Thecartridge 214 includes a biasing platform 256 which includes a base 258and at least one resilient block 260 (FIG. 23). The stack 45 of gloves16 is aligned on one side 262 of the base 258 cuff 18 to cuff 18. One ormore resilient materials or blocks 260 are positioned on the oppositeside 264 of the base 258. The resilient blocks extend between at leastone wall of the cartridge 214 and the base 258. The resilient blocks actto bias the gloves 16 on the base 258 to hold the gloves 16 in analignment and to hold the gloves 16 against the dispensing opening 40 ofthe cartridge 214. The resilient blocks 260 may be formed from foamrubber and/or sponge, either of which may comprise natural and/orsynthetic material(s).

In this manner, the biasing platform 256 acts to control space 266 inthe cartridge 214 so that gloves 16 do not fall out of alignment and/orout of the stack 45 and into the space 266. Therefore, at least oneglove 16 is continuously presented against the dispensing opening 40until all gloves 16 in the stack 45 are withdrawn from the cartridge214. Alternatively, the base 258 may not include resilient blocks, andmay be biased toward the dispensing opening 40 by other resilientapparatus, such as springs, O-rings, rubber bands, elastic, and so forth(not shown). In another alternative, as illustrated in FIG. 23, theresilient blocks 260 comprise one block which provides a base andtherefore provides the complete biasing platform 256.

One problem in dispensing gloves which are aligned and stackedwrist-to-wrist or cuff-to-cuff is that the stack 45 is not parallel tothe base 258. Rather, the stack 45, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 incross-section, is thicker and therefore higher in the wrist or cuff 18area and thinner or lower in the finger end 19, which results in a stack45 which is sloped. This sloped stack 45 forms a trapezoidal shape incross-section, as shown in FIGS. 21-23 (and in previous embodiments inFIGS. 3, 6, 12, 16). It is desirable to control the space 266 createddue to this trapezoidal shape formed by the stack 45 within the internalcompartment 35 of the generally rectangular cartridge 214 (as well as14, 114 and 114′). When the space 266 is controlled, the gloves 16 arecontinuously positioned against the dispensing opening 40, and do notbecome misaligned or fall out of the stack. Therefore, the gloves 16 arereadily available to be withdrawn by a user. Further, controlling thespace 266 prevents contaminants from entering the internal compartment35 of the cartridge 214.

The boundaries of this trapezoidal shape or cross-section are formed, inthe present embodiment, by the stack 45, the base 258, the wall of thecartridge 214 having the dispensing opening 40, in this instance, thelower wall 26, as well as the side walls 32 of the cartridge 214. Thespace 266 is formed generally between the upper wall 24 of the cartridge214 and base 258 of the biasing platform 256 as well as the side walls32 of the cartridge. This space 266 is also trapezoidal incross-section, since it is also formed within a rectangular cartridge214 as well. As illustrated generally by FIG. 21, the stack 45 of gloves16 when the stack is nearly full provides a large trapezoidalcross-section of the stack 45, and a small trapezoidal cross-section ofthe space 266. However, when the stack 45 is reduced in size due towithdrawal of a plurality of gloves 16 from the stack 45, as shown byFIG. 22, the size of the trapezoidal cross-section changes and becomessmaller, while the size of the trapezoidal shape forming the space 266becomes larger. Only when all gloves 16 are withdrawn from the cartridge214 is the base 258 positioned in a generally parallel position relativeto the upper and or lower walls 24, 26 of the cartridge 214. Bycontrolling the space 266 as well as the stack positioned on the biasingplatform 258, since each initially forms a trapezoidal shape incross-section, proper dispensing of the gloves 45 is controlled andwaste is prevented.

The dispensing assembly is adapted to dispense gloves. The dispensingassembly desirably includes a dispenser having a housing configured tohold a cartridge. The dispensing assembly also desirably includes acartridge configured to hold a plurality of gloves. A plurality ofgloves is desirably provided disposed in the cartridge. The cartridgemay contain columns and/or sloping means or biasing means such as a rampand/or a biasing platform. If the cartridge does not contain columnsand/or a ramp and/or a biasing platform, the dispenser desirablycontains columns and/or a ramp and/or a biasing platform. In thisinstance, the cartridge desirably contains perforated areas or areas ofweakness which permit the introduction of the columns and/or the rampand/or biasing platform from the dispenser into at least a portion ofthe internal compartment, to hold or assist in holding the plurality ofgloves in an alignment and in a dispensing position. In this manner, thecartridge and dispenser are configured to interact together such thatthe plurality of gloves in the dispensing assembly are held in adispensing position adjacent an opening in the cartridge, an exit portin the dispenser, or desirably both to facilitate one at a timedispensing of each glove through the dispensing assembly. The pluralityof gloves are positioned in a stack and aligned in a dispensing positionsuch that a user may access at least the wrist area or cuff of the glovepositioned against the opening and/or the exit port. The opening andexit port are configured to expose only a portion of the wrist areaand/or cuff of each glove positioned against the opening and/or exitport, to limit contamination to it as well as the remaining gloves inthe stack. The ramp shown and described in the embodiments herein isused to hold the generally sloped stack of gloves in a gravity-orienteddispensing alignment. The ramp provides a trapezoidal cross-section andacts to control space and the stack of gloves for dispensing within thecartridge.

It will be appreciated that if a bracket is used as a dispenser, thebracket may not require an exit port. That is, the bracket may be formedto only have the necessary components to hold the cartridge against asurface. Examples of such brackets include an L-shaped, U-shaped or anyshape or connecting apparatus, such as a hook, fastener, and so forthwhich extends into an opening in a portion of the cartridge.Alternatively, a dispenser formed by a bracket may have one or moreelements shown and/or described herein for a dispenser and/or acartridge, in any combination thereof.

While the present invention has been described in connection withcertain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the subjectmatter encompassed by way of the present invention is not to be limitedto those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it will be appreciatedthat some elements and/or articles may be used with other elements orarticles. It is intended for the subject matter of the invention toinclude all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as can beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A dispensing assembly adapted for dispensing gloves, the dispensingassembly comprising: a dispenser having a housing configured to hold acartridges of different sizes, the housing including an exit port, thehousing including a spacer for holding a cartridge in a position overthe exit port; and a cartridge comprising a plurality of walls whichcooperate to form an inner surface and an internal compartment, thecartridge configured to hold a stack of gloves and a stack of glovesdisposed in the cartridge, the cartridge including a dispensing opening,the stack of gloves positioned on a base of a biasing platform such thatat least the stack of gloves form a trapezoidal cross-section within theinternal compartment of the cartridge, the biasing platform holding thestack of gloves biased against the dispensing opening such that thebiasing platform controls the stack of gloves and space in the internalcompartment of the cartridge to prevent gloves from moving out of thestack and into the space, the stack of gloves biased against the openingof the cartridge to permit easy and reliable withdrawal of the glovestherefrom.
 2. The dispensing assembly of claim 1, wherein the spacer isconfigured to align dispensing openings of cartridge with exit port ofdispenser.
 3. The dispensing assembly of claim 1, wherein the cartridgeis rectangular and the stack of gloves defines one trapezoidalcross-section within the internal compartment and the base holding thestack of gloves on one side and having at least one resilient materialpositioned on an opposite side thereof which extends to a wall of thecartridge to bias the base against the wall and control the space withinthe internal compartment.
 4. The dispensing assembly of claim 1, whereinthe base of the biasing platform comprises at least one resilientmaterial.
 5. The dispensing assembly of claim 1, wherein the biasingplatform comprises at least one resilient material.
 6. A dispensingassembly adapted for dispensing gloves, the dispensing assemblycomprising: a dispenser configured to hold a cartridge; and a cartridgecomprising a plurality of walls which cooperate to form an inner surfaceand an internal compartment, the cartridge configured to hold a stack ofgloves and a stack of gloves disposed in the cartridge, the cartridgeincluding a dispensing opening, the stack of gloves positioned on a baseof a biasing platform such that at least the stack of gloves form atrapezoidal cross-section within the internal compartment of thecartridge, the biasing platform holding the stack of gloves biasedagainst the dispensing opening such that the biasing platform controlsthe stack of gloves and space in the internal compartment of thecartridge to prevent gloves from moving out of the stack and into thespace, the stack of gloves biased against the opening of the cartridgeto permit easy and reliable withdrawal of the gloves therefrom.
 7. Thedispensing assembly of claim 6, wherein the dispenser comprises abracket.
 8. The dispensing assembly of claim 6, wherein the cartridge isrectangular and the stack of gloves defines one trapezoidalcross-section within the internal compartment and the base holding thestack of gloves on one side and having at least one resilient materialpositioned on an opposite side thereof which extends to a wall of thecartridge to bias the base against the wall and control the space withinthe internal compartment.
 9. The dispensing assembly of claim 6, whereinthe base of the biasing platform comprises at least one resilientmaterial.
 10. The dispensing assembly of claim 6, wherein the biasingplatform comprises at least one resilient material.
 11. A cartridgeadapted to dispense gloves, the cartridge comprising: a housingcomprising a plurality of walls which cooperate to form an inner surfaceand an internal compartment, the cartridge configured to hold a stack ofgloves and a stack of gloves disposed in the cartridge, the cartridgeincluding a dispensing opening, the stack of gloves positioned on a baseof a biasing platform such that at least the stack of gloves form atrapezoidal cross-section within the internal compartment of thecartridge, the biasing platform holding the stack of gloves biasedagainst the dispensing opening such that the biasing platform controlsthe stack of gloves and space in the internal compartment of thecartridge to prevent gloves from moving out of the stack and into thespace, the stack of gloves biased against the opening of the cartridgeto permit easy and reliable withdrawal of the gloves therefrom.
 12. Thecartridge of claim 11, wherein the cartridge is rectangular and thestack of gloves defines one trapezoidal cross-section within theinternal compartment and the base holding the stack of gloves on oneside and having at least one resilient material positioned on anopposite side thereof which extends to a wall of the cartridge to biasthe base against the wall and control the space within the internalcompartment.
 13. The cartridge of claim 11, wherein the base of thebiasing platform comprises at least one resilient material.
 14. Thecartridge of claim 11, wherein the biasing platform comprises at leastone resilient material.
 15. A cartridge adapted to dispense gloves, thecartridge comprising: a housing comprising a plurality of walls whichcooperate to form an inner surface and an internal compartment, thecartridge including a dispensing opening and the cartridge configured tohold a stack of gloves and a stack of gloves disposed therein in asloping stack and positioned against a sloping means which is positionedat least partially in the internal compartment of the housing when thecartridge is disposed in a dispensing position such that the slopingmeans and the sloping stack form a trapezoidal cross-section in theinternal compartment of the cartridge, the sloping means configured tohold the sloping stack in a sloping alignment within the internalcompartment of the cartridge to prevent gloves from moving out of thestack and to keep at least one glove positioned against a dispensingopening of the cartridge to permit easy and reliable withdrawal of thegloves therefrom.
 16. The cartridge of claim 15, wherein the slopingmeans is a ramp.
 17. The cartridge of claim 15, wherein the slopingmeans is a biasing platform.
 18. The cartridge of claim 17, wherein thebiasing platform comprises at least one resilient material.
 19. Thecartridge of claim 17, wherein the biasing platform comprises a base.20. The cartridge of claim 15, wherein the cartridge is rectangular andthe stack of gloves defines a trapezoidal cross-section within theinternal compartment and the sloping means holds the stack of glovessuch that the stack of gloves continues to form a trapezoidalcross-section until all of the gloves are withdrawn from the cartridge.21. A dispensing assembly adapted to dispense gloves, the dispensingassembly comprising: a dispenser configured to hold a cartridge; and acartridge adapted to dispense gloves, the cartridge including a housingcomprising a plurality of walls which cooperate to form an inner surfaceand an internal compartment, the cartridge including a dispensingopening and the cartridge configured to hold a stack of gloves and astack of gloves is disposed therein, the stack of gloves forming asloping stack positioned against a sloping means which is positioned atleast partially in the internal compartment of the housing when thecartridge is positioned in a dispensing position such that the slopingmeans and the sloping stack form a trapezoidal cross-section in theinternal compartment of the cartridge, the sloping means configured tohold the sloping stack of gloves in an alignment within the internalcompartment of the cartridge to prevent gloves from moving out of thestack and to keep at least one glove positioned against the dispensingopening of the cartridge to permit easy and reliable withdrawal of thegloves therefrom.
 22. The dispensing assembly of claim 21, wherein thesloping means is a ramp.
 23. The dispensing assembly of claim 22,wherein the ramp is provided by the dispenser.
 24. The dispensingassembly of claim 22, wherein the ramp is formed in the cartridge. 25.The dispensing assembly of claim 21, wherein the sloping means is abiasing platform.
 26. The dispensing assembly of claim 25, wherein thebiasing platform comprises at least one resilient material.
 27. Thedispensing assembly of claim 25, wherein the biasing platform comprisesa base.
 28. The dispensing assembly of claim 21, wherein the cartridgeis rectangular and the stack of gloves defines a trapezoidalcross-section within the internal compartment and the sloping meansholds the stack of gloves such that the stack of gloves continues toform a trapezoidal cross-section until all of the gloves are withdrawnfrom the cartridge.
 29. The dispensing assembly of claim 21, wherein thedispenser comprises a bracket.
 30. The dispensing assembly of claim 21,wherein the dispenser comprises a spacer.